From 25-28 April, 1 for 7 Billion is attending International Civil Society Week 2016 (ICSW) in Bogotá – one of the world’s largest civil society gatherings comprising almost 1,000 delegates from 109 countries.

From grassroots activists to heads of international organisations; from Latin American land rights campaigners to experts on monitoring sustainable development; the diverse gathering is united by a common belief - that the the world needs better governance at a global level, accountable to the world's seven billion citizens.

This belief lies at the heart of the 1 for 7 Billion campaign. Increasingly, the world looks to the United Nations to solve the numerous crises facing the international community. But in order to rise to this challenge, the UN needs a highly-qualified leader who understands the value of working in partnership with civil society.

“The UN Secretary-General is an employee of the people, not governments”

Through workshops, presentations and campaign actions, 1 for 7 Billion has been equipping ICSW delegates with the necessary tools to get involved with the UN Secretary-General appointment process, to interact with candidates and to discover where candidates stand on the issues relevant to their own communities and organisations.

The above quote was an observation from one participant at a workshop hosted jointly by the World Democratic Forum, World Social Forum and the 1 for 7 Billion campaign. During the event, participants submitted a diverse range of questions via Twitter to those vying to become the UN’s next leader. A selection of these questions is included below.